Teaching & Learning Today: May 2023
May 12, 2023
May 12, 2023
Welcome to Teaching and Learning TODAY. We encourage you to monitor this newsletter regularly and respond to those areas that interest you. We facilitate the development of professional learning by members, for members and are grateful for the opportunity to do so. Allow us to assist you to learn, grow professionally, and impact others.
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The Virginia Department of Education is offering five, half-day, in-person regional training events this spring and summer focused on special education evaluations using a trauma lens and engaging families in the special education process. Attendees will view a recorded presentation by Dr. Eric Rossen and Dr. Katie Eklund offering guidance and considerations for special education evaluations, using a trauma-informed lens. The training will also include an activity and discussion of current practices in Virginia.
This training is free and open to school psychologists and school social workers employed by Virginia Public Schools. Registration is required. Registered attendees will receive a copy of Dr. Rossen’s and Dr. David Bateman’s book, Creating Trauma-Informed Individualized Education Programs.
The Regional Training Event Flyer contains more information and registration links!
Whether you are a new candidate for National Board Certification or a current NBCT ready to maintain your certification, you will not want to miss our Jump Start event this summer. At this hands-on workshop, NBCT facilitators guide candidates through unpacking their National Board Standards and component instructions. Participants gain strategies for tackling the certification process and leave Jump Start with a deeper understanding of the National Board fundamentals and a plan for achieving or maintaining their certification. Jump Start is available to both members and non-members. Read on for more information.
For Candidates Pursuing Initial National Board Certification: This multi-day workshop meets Thursday-Saturday, July 13-15 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided each day. On Friday, candidates will enjoy networking with current NBCTs and hearing from a special guest during lunch. Lodging is available upon request. Click here to learn more and register. Registration closes June 30.
For NBCTs beginning the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Process: This full-day workshop meets from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, July 14. A continental breakfast will be provided, and NBCTs will network with candidates over lunch. Lodging is available upon request. Please note that the MOC process must be completed in one year during one of the final two years of the certificate’s life. For NBCTs whose certificate expires in 2024, the 2023-24 cycle is the final opportunity to maintain certification. The 2023-24 cycle will be the first of two opportunities for NBCTs whose certificate expires in 2025. Click here to learn more and register for MOC Jump Start. Registration closes June 30.
As VEA works to increase the number and diversity of NBCTs in Virginia, we are finding ways to support candidates and break down barriers to access.
VEA Teaching & Learning is offering a limited number of grants to qualified applicants to cover the registration and lodging costs of attending Jump Start this summer. Applicants must be current VEA members in good standing, must meet candidate eligibility criteria set by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and must commit to completing at least one component as a National Board candidate in the 2023-2024 school year. For more information and to apply for a grant, click here. Grant applications are due by June 1.
Whether students are ahead of their peers or behind, differentiation should ensure that all learners engage in critical thinking.
Check out this article from Edutopia, Using Differentiation to Challenge All Students.
The work of the Department of Teaching and Learning extends out of headquarters and works directly with members. This month, we will be featuring 2 of our content developers for our VEA Learning Portal:
Name: Charlotte Hayer
Local: Richmond Education Association
Role: Fitz Turner Commission Chair; WLT Trainer; Legislative Committee; UniServ Council; Presenter for Instructional Conference, Teachers of Color Summit, and Reggie Smith Leadership Academy; VEA Learning Portal Content Developer
# of years in education: 30+
# of years in VEA: 30+
How has being a union member helped you?
Being a union member has helped me to find, refine, and use my voice as a means of helping our members to do the same for themselves. It has helped me speak truth to power and become a better educator for my scholars. Being a union member has helped me to be unapologetically a black woman, a passionate black educator, a sister, a wife, an auntie, a mother, and a proud union member.
If you could give 1 piece of advice to someone in education, what would it be?
If I could give one piece of advice to someone in education it would be: Be an active, involved union member who has the heart for education, students, and justice. Be the change you want to see!
Name: Krishawna Goins
Local: Loudoun Education Association
Role: Online Learning Module Creator, Presenter, and former Aspiring Educator (Pennsylvania)
# of years in education: 4
# of years in VEA: 4 years in VEA (before coming to VA, 4 years in Pennsylvania)
How has being a union member helped you?
The union has helped me continue to grow as a professional. It has provided me with a union family of support in Virginia and beyond. It has allowed me opportunities to learn from my colleagues and share my professional knowledge to continue to improve education across Virginia and the country. The union has allowed me to advocate for myself and others and always push for a great school for every child, every day.
If you could give 1 piece of advice to someone in education, what would it be?
My one piece of advice would be to never miss out on the magic in the messy. Being an educator is a complex job and there is no one right way to do it. Continue to be curious and try new things, even when the path to getting to where you want to go is messy. Be willing to take risks to pursue excellence.
Virginia is a top 10 state in household income, but ranks 41st in the US in state per pupil funding of K-12 education.
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